The aim of this work is to evaluate the effect of chitosan content (1, 3 and 5 wt %) dispersed in polylactic acid (PLA) on the structure and properties of composites. Also, the hydrolytic degradation, and the cell viability and adhesion of human MG-63 osteoblasts are analyzed to determine the composites’ suitability for use in tissue engineering. For the manufacture of the materials, natural chitosan was extracted chemically from shrimp exoskeleton. The composites were fabricated by extrusion, because it is a low-cost process, it is reproducible, and it does not compromise the biocompatibility of the materials. FT-IR and XRD show that the chitosan does not change the polymer structure, and interactions between the composite components are discarded. In vitro degradation tests show that the composites do not induce significant pH changes in phosphate buffer solution due to their low susceptibility to hydrolytic degradation. The adhesion and morphological characteristics of the osteoblasts are evaluated using confocal microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The cell viability is determined by the MTT assay. Osteoblasts adhesion is observed on the surface of PLA and composites. A higher amount of chitosan, higher number of cells with osteoblastic morphology, and mineralized nodules are observed on the composite surface. The highest metabolic activity is evidenced at 21 days. The results suggest that the Polylactic acid/chitosan composites are potentially suitable for use as a biomaterial.

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In this work the synthesis and mechanical characterization of a polymer matrix composite is reported. An epoxy resin is used as matrix with addition of starch and coconut fibers as reinforcement. Vickers hardness and impact tests are used for mechanical characterization. Starch is used to promote degradability of the polymer matrix with clear benefits for the environment. Natural fibers have been used for reinforcing the composite materials. Natural fibers have several advantages such as price, low density and relatively high mechanical properties, they are also biodegradable and non abrasive In this investigation, the composite material samples are fabricated with epoxy resin, 5, 10, 15 wt % of starch and 5, 10 wt % of coconut fibers with the help of silicon molds which have the dimensions and geometry according to ASTM Standards for make Impact and Vickers hardness tests. The obtained results show that increases in the amount of coconut fibers cause an enhancement of the mechanical properties of the material, due to a good adhesion between the polymeric matrix and the natural fibers.